The Bengaluru Commute Podcast. Weekend News update : Karnataka political news; CWRC; Cauvery water dispute; BESCOM updates; Green Literature festival ; BBMP updates; Indian army; Bihar news; Coast Gua
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Transcript:
Welcome to The Bengaluru Commute Podcast, your only companion on the streets of Bengaluru.
Here are the top stories of the week that went by.
Bengaluru Local news
1. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah urged political leaders not to oppose the caste survey report without understanding its contents. Addressing concerns raised by dominant caste groups at a meeting in Bengaluru, he dismissed assumptions and misinformation. Siddaramaiah refuted HD Kumaraswamy's fears of societal division, citing Bihar's similar survey. H. Kantharaju, who is overseeing the survey, defended its scientific approach, emphasizing the need to review before passing judgment amid disagreements within the Karnataka Congress.
2. In other headlines, the Karnataka cabinet criticized the former BJP government's authorization to the CBI to probe DK Shivakumar's assets case, deeming it unlawful due to the absence of the Speaker's permission. While Law Minister HK Patil refrained from stating a clear intent to revoke the CBI's sanction, he mentioned that an administrative order addressing the issue would be released in the next few days.
3. In some more news, the CWRC recommended Karnataka to release 3,216 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu daily for the next 38 days, aligning with tribunal awards. The decision, to be ratified by CWMA soon, demands Karnataka to release 10.5 tmc ft, contending challenges due to a 52% shortfall in its reservoirs. Karnataka cited normal rainfall in Tamil Nadu and crop harvesting timelines to justify its stance against additional water release.
4. Up next, Bengaluru is set for power disruptions this weekend due to maintenance projects by BESCOM and KPTCL. With lighter grid loads as staff take weekend leaves, scheduled outages will include various tasks like maintenance and cable shifting. Most interruptions are planned from 10 am to 5 pm on the 25th & 26th of November, affecting specific areas like Marohalli and Bommanahalli among others. The complete list of affected areas is available on BESCOM's official website.
5. Now, onto other news, Akasa Air has announced daily flights from Bengaluru to Port Blair via Chennai starting from December 15, enhancing connectivity between major cities and the tourist hub. Flight QP 1485 will depart from Bengaluru at 6 am, reach Chennai at 7:05 am, and land in Port Blair at 9:55 am. The return flight, QP 1486, leaves Port Blair at 10:35 am, arrives in Chennai at 1 pm, and reaches Bengaluru at 2:50 pm.
6. Moving on, KSRTC has garnered accolades at several national media awards, receiving recognition for 'Best Communication Campaign' and 'Best PR Implementation' in the 7th National Media Conclave Awards at Bhubaneswar, which was held recently. Additionally, at the 10th Global Marketing Excellence Awards in Mumbai, it secured the 'Best New Brand Product/Service Launch Award' for branding the Ambaari Utsav, Pallakki, and EV Power Plus buses.
7. Meanwhile, the cancellation of the Bengaluru-Hubballi-Bengaluru Superfast Express has deprived Hubballi of its sole dedicated night train to the State capital. With only trains originating elsewhere but passing through Hubballi, obtaining reservations for locals becomes challenging. The now-cancelled train was preferred for its convenience and punctuality, serving hundreds from the twin cities who found it easier to secure reservations compared to other night trains.
8. On a different note, the Green Literature Festival centred on sustainability and environmental conservation, will take place this weekend, featuring diverse sessions with wildlife authors, activists, filmmakers, and children’s authors. With a focus on green business and holistic nature conservation, the event includes workshops by The Habitats Trust and WWF, discussions on smaller species conservation, and sessions by notable authors like Amruta Patil. The festival will culminate in the 2023 GLF Honour Book Award across various categories.
National News
1. Moving on to the national news. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police honoured five soldiers killed in a Rajouri district encounter. Two captains, Captain MV Pranjal and Captain Shubham Gupta, along with three others, died in a 36-hour-long gunfight with terrorists in Bajimaal, Dharamsala. A wreath-laying ceremony at Army General Hospital Rajouri paid tribute to the martyred soldiers. Their mortal remains were sent to their respective native places for final rites.
2. Meanwhile, BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi criticized Congress, RJD, and JD-U for Bihar's underdevelopment, citing their prolonged rule in the state. He dismissed calls to include reservation laws in the Ninth Schedule, referring to the Supreme Court's stance on its challengeability. Modi cited the landmark Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu case, upholding the judiciary's authority to review laws conflicting with the Constitution's basic structure.
3. In more news, Rajasthan's Mangarh Dham village in Banswara district echoes urgent needs for basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water. The village was acknowledged as a national monument by PM Narendra Modi last year during the 'Mangarh Dham ki Gaurav Gatha' program. Its historical significance is tied to the tragic 1913 massacre of Bhil tribes, reminiscent of the Jallianwala Bagh incident. This recognition is likely to influence votes after Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot criticized the delayed recognition.
4. Shifting our focus, the Indian Coast Guard initiated the two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise recently at Vadinar in Gujarat's Gulf of Kutch, scheduled to conclude this weekend. The exercise, aligning with the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, aims to evaluate marine pollution response mechanisms and the preparedness of resource agencies. Director General Rakesh Pal and senior officers are overseeing the exercise alongside other stakeholders responsible for combating pollution at sea.
5. In a general weather update for the country, the IMD has forecasted rainfall across Maharashtra from November 26 to 28, expecting to alleviate air pollution in Mumbai. Issuing a yellow alert for large coastal areas, the IMD predicts rainfall in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and south Rajasthan. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in various districts. This unseasonal rain is attributed to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal.
International News
1. Turning our attention to international news, a Qatar court accepted the Narendra Modi government's appeal against the death sentence of eight ex-Indian navy personnel, postponing a specific hearing timeline. The move follows the death penalty awarded by Qatar's Court of First Instance a month ago. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressed shock and vowed to explore all legal avenues.
2. In ongoing news, North Korea's Kim Jong Un defended the recent spy satellite launch as self-defence, asserting the country's capability to strike globally. The move violated UN resolutions. Kim praised space scientists, emphasizing the launch's importance in confronting hostile forces. State media images depicted Kim's family celebrating, emphasizing the satellite's military potential. This was North Korea's third satellite attempt this year.
3. In a recent development, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo admitted unpreparedness for the Olympics 2024, citing transportation and housing concerns, especially for the homeless. Criticizing Paris region president Valerie Pecresse, Hidalgo pointed to insufficient trains and frequencies. She shared responsibility with the government but stressed unity. Pecresse asserted readiness, countering Hidalgo's claims. Hidalgo emphasized the need for a social legacy, aiming to address homeless issues before the event.
4. In some other news, Somalia faces a dual crisis as families once displaced by drought and violence now grapple with overwhelming flooding due to El Niño-induced heavy rainfall. At least 96 people have died, with Beledweyne among the hardest-hit areas. Thousands fled the rising Shabelle River, losing homes and belongings. Displaced citizens continue to seek shelter after being battered by successive calamities in their quest for safety.
Business News
1. Let's now look at some business stories. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's research report revealed India's exports as remarkably resilient among the top 20 global exporters. Exports surged by 20% in 2021 and 9.7% in 2022. President Sanjeev Agrawal attributed this success to government policies and exporters' integration efforts in global value chains. The new Foreign Trade Policy 2023 aims to fortify India's global competitiveness and self-reliance.
2. In more business news, Bengaluru-based RMZ Corporation, led by Raj and Manoj Menda, unveiled an ambitious plan targeting USD 25 billion in assets over five years. The company will emphasize office, luxury residential, mixed-use, industrial, logistics, and hospitality sectors. RMZ has restructured its operations, appointing CEOs for each vertical. The focus includes strategic growth in six cities and diversification into real estate asset classes worldwide, aiming for significant real estate development and high-quality portfolios.
3. Next up, in some tech news. Instagram initially introduced the download capability for Reels in the US earlier this year, now extending it globally. With this update, downloaded Reels from public profiles can be stored directly in the camera roll and shared on various platforms. Adam Mosseri confirmed this feature, noting that downloaded Reels will bear the creator's Instagram handle as a watermark. Users may still need to wait for the update's full rollout.
4. Moving on, Go First's lenders are set to vote on liquidating the insolvent airline after a bid deadline closure without any interested buyers. The proposal for liquidation will be reviewed and voted upon by individual lenders within the next 10-15 days, signalling little interest from potential buyers and leading the creditors to consider liquidation over restarting the insolvency process. The Committee of Creditors convened to determine the airline's future.
5. In market news, the Sensex fell by 47.77 points or 0.07 per cent, settling at 65,970.04. Similarly, the Nifty fell 7.30 points or 0.04 per cent, reaching 19,794.70. Market sentiment leaned towards decliners, with 1,721 shares advancing, 1,849 shares declining, and 114 shares remaining unchanged. Gold prices slightly increased and were heading for their second consecutive week of gains, aided by a decline in the US dollar.
Entertainment News
1. Over to news from the entertainment world. The CBFC has awarded the film "Animal," starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Rashmika Mandanna, an A (adult) certificate and disclosed its runtime of 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 23 seconds. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga unveiled this information a week before the film's release, along with the much-anticipated trailer. The film, noted for its violence, received varied reactions, with fans expressing eagerness for the intensity.
2. In news from Hollywood, actor Jenna Ortega faced backlash after resurfaced tweets supporting Palestine, sparked a social media uproar. Fans demanded her removal from Scream VII, mirroring Melissa Barrera's recent axing for similar reasons. Despite controversies and pleas for solidarity, Ortega's influence hints at potential division among fans regarding her role in the franchise. The situation remains contentious, with contrasting opinions over Ortega's tweets and her possible removal from the movie.
3. Meanwhile, in some news from regional cinema, The anticipation for Parasuram Petla's film "Family Star," starring Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur, surged after the trailer release, earning praise for its challenging dialogue against toxic masculinity. Scheduled for a Sankranthi release, the movie, unfortunately, faces a delay due to unfinished shooting and pending post-production work. Fans await the new release date after the postponement, which was previously set for January 14, 2024.
Sports News
1. In sports news, Josh Inglis's explosive 110 off 50 balls propelled Australia to 208/3 against India in the recent T20I match. Steve Smith's brisk start was curtailed, but Inglis dominated, equalling the fastest Australian T20I century in 47 balls. In response, India's shaky start recovered with Suryakumar Yadav's 80 off 42 and Ishan Kishan's 58 off 39, amassing 112 runs. Rinku Singh's final-ball six sealed India's thrilling one-run victory, setting a new T20I record chase.
2. In more sports updates, Inter Milan and Juventus, top contenders in Serie A, face off this weekend in a clash, while Walter Mazzarri embarks on his second stint with Napoli. With Inter leading the league and Juventus trailing closely, the fixture promises intense football. Inter faces a taxing schedule, whereas Juventus, free from European fixtures, seeks to challenge. Napoli, struggling under Mazzarri, faces Atalanta, aiming to revive their faltering title defence.
3. Wrapping up sports news, Novak Djokovic clinched his 21st consecutive Davis Cup singles win, propelling Serbia to the semifinals and setting a record as Serbia's most successful Davis Cup player. Djokovic's triumph over Cameron Norrie secured Serbia's 2-0 victory against Great Britain. He's now facing Italy's Jannik Sinner in the semifinals, optimistic despite the demanding season. Djokovic's stellar form caps a season marked by multiple Grand Slam titles.
Bengaluru Buzz
Switching gears to local events. There are many events ongoing and upcoming in Bengaluru this week
1. Get ready for a musical evening as Westlife, the sensational Irish cover boyband known for chart-toppers 'Swear It Again' and 'World Of Our Own,' is set to perform live in concert at the Embassy International Riding School, Tarunhunse Village on the 25th of November at 6.00 pm.
2. Catch renowned comic Arun Sriram as he headlines his latest stand-up special - "What's in a name?", performing live at Artkhoj, JP Nagar on the 25th of November at 6.00 pm.
3. The Indian Cacao & Craft Chocolate Festival is back, dedicated entirely to the enchantment of Indian craft chocolates. Indulge in workshops by renowned brands like Anuttama, Pascati, Bon Fiction & Farm, and more, happening at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur on the 25th & 26th of November at 10:00 AM.
4. Join a beginner's dance class with the exclusive "Contemporary Dance and Composition" workshop conducted by ace choreographers at the Shoonya Mari, Lal Bagh Main Road on the 25th & 26th of November at 11.00 am.
5. You can also catch the insanely funny Biswa Kalyan Rath in his latest outing, performing live at the Nexus Shantiniketan Mall, KR Puram on the 25th of November at 5.30 pm.
Podcasts
1. Podcasts to listen to over the weekend: If entertainment is your thing, catch the latest episode of the "Flip the Script With Shubra" Podcast, where host Shubra talks to popular filmmaker Anurag Kashyap about his film career, his childhood, his aspirations and so much more!
2. Catch the latest episodes of the Studio 1886 Podcast and get an insider look with host Sukhoon at all the great things happening inside the BGSW campuses.
3. You can also check out the latest episodes of "Meri Duniya with Veraa" as she travels around the country, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures and quite literally taking listeners on a soulful ride!
Bengaluru Weather
1. And finally, the weather in Bengaluru. Bengaluru can expect afternoon thunderstorms accompanied by rain and lightning. Precipitation will be minimal. Anticipate a moderately warm maximum temperature of 26°C and a pleasant minimum of 19°C.
That’s all for now on The Bengaluru Commute Podcast for today. I’m Anupama. If you enjoyed this episode, please do follow me on your favourite podcast and player, and leave a rating and a review as well. It helps other listeners to discover the show, and I would just really appreciate it. Even better if you know someone who would enjoy the podcast, share it with them. Make your commute truly extraordinary. The Bengaluru Commute podcast skill is now available on Alexa! All you have to do is to download the skill from your Alexa app and look for the Bengaluru commute podcast.
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Producer: Anupama Rajarathnam
Voiceover: Anupama Rajarathnam
Script: Prathiksha Nehru
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